Category Archives: vintage

I don’t know about anyone else but I’ve heard women say their moms sewed all their clothes. Mine didn’t. She didn’t like to sew, didn’t know how to use a machine, and was lost in the fabric department. She wasn’t ashamed of it, either, but she did teach me how to mend clothes and sew on buttons. Pretty handy. Still, I’d listen to these women and wonder “Who are these women and where are the patterns?”

Well, I think I found the stash of a couple of these women or at least part of the stash. Check out these patterns.

Aren’t they wonderful? Most are complete and in good condition. So Cool!

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With the weather as crazy as it’s been, it is hard to believe it is still February and should be cold….as in winter snow and ice cold. I realize I live in the southern US but we do have a winter, albeit a short one. This year is shorter than usual, though, so I thought it would be a good idea to list some spring and summer patterns. If it’s still cold in your part of the world you’ll have time to get ready for summer wear.

Two sizes of lambs, 5 inches and 7 inches tall, a lamb and heart wreath and tiny hanging lamb. Lots of possibilities with this pattern.

A bit more realistic looking than the last lamb and bigger, too. Great Easter or Passover gift for the little ones.

I love crazy quilting and there are others like me. So much to add….embellish to your heart’s content! This pattern is multi sized and uncut.

Well, that’s it for GoofingOff Sewing for the moment. Lots of ideas for spring sewing. Remember, Easter and Passover are coming soon…..Easter is April 16 and Passover starts April 10. I’ll be having a sale, too. Further details coming.

When out thrifting I am attracted to sewing stuff, especially vintage sewing stuff. supplies. I can sniff them out better than an old coon dog on a trail….which leads me to this post. Buttons. Lots of buttons of all types, colors, and sizes. Today it is about these big, beautiful buttons.

Big buttons are more than closure devices. When buttons are big they have the ability to show off, to shout out on their own. They become a focal point of a design. They are much more than a way to close a coat.

Tan shank buttons with copper inset, 1 1/2 inch diameter

These buttons were most likely a rescue from an old coats that had seen better days. I found them in the most adorable sewing basket at an estate sale. I will share that later. Today, it’s about the buttons.
The buttons are big, 1 1/2 inches in diameter. They are made of a plastic material, maybe Bakelite. The round brown insert is copper. The buttons have a metal shank.

Black textured buttons

These buttons are big, thick, and textured. 1 1/2 inches in diameter. A heavy button that would stand up to the thickest wool. The hole is recessed in the back.

Jade green buttons 1 1/4 inch diameter

These lovely jade color buttons are 1 1/4 inch diameter. A small mark on the side of one. Still, lots of vivid, beautiful color.

I love to sew AND get inspired by surrounding myself with beautiful things. The buttonholer case does that…and good to have for those vintage sewing machines around the house. As for the patterns…What’s not to love about 40’s style, long evening dresses, or slinky skirts with a slit to there? All I need is a Glen Miller playing “In the Mood.” So kick your shoes off and enjoy!

Vintage Singer Buttonholer with atomic age case in dusty rose. Complete set with buttonhole templates and instructions. Excellent condition. So the case looks great….great enough to use for trinkets if you don’t have the machine anymore. Can’t believe I said that.

Simplicity 2442 Misses’ Evening Dress with Bolero

Simplicity 2442 Misses’ Evening Dress with Bolero. Dress in three lengths with neckline variations. Size 14-22, bust 36-44 inches. UNCUT Great thing about this pattern is the variations….different lengths and necklines to make something individual…..and a bolero for cooler evenings or air conditioned venues.

I didn’t realize what a big undertaking going on a mission trip would be. Our group is made up of nurses from Maine Medical Hospital and two nurses from Florida. I’m one of the two from Florida. The distance adds a challenge to getting things ready and fundraising. Instead of 12 helping hands there are 10 and 2. Thank God for friends and family. Things like attending the fundraiser in Portland, Maine is out. It sounds like it will be a good time, too. It will be on November 15 at 12:00 PM at the Flask Lounge…..and I won’t be there, which means I need to do other things to keep up my end. It does mean if you are up that way…GO! Click Here for more information: HERE

From Miss Eileen’s Vintage Shop is this Kodak Brownie Duraflex ll Flash Camera Outfit in the original box.
The kit comes with the camera, flash unit, instruction book, and a roll of Kodak Verichome Pan Film. The film expiration date is Jun 1968 and it is in the original box.

Well, that’s all for now. I’ve got lots of items to list in the vintage shop and a few patterns, too. Remember to use the coupon code BLOGGIN for 10% off your purchase in MissEileen’s Vintage or GoofingOff Sewing.

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Ever since I became a nurse I dreamt about going on a medical mission and caring for people in need.

About a month ago, my friend Denise told me about a group of nurses from Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine (Denise graduated nursing school with the trip leader) that were planning a medical mission to Haiti and I thought this was finally my chance. Luckily, they had room for one more, me, so I am going on a medical mission to Haiti in January, 2016.

Am I nervous? A little.

Am I excited? Terribly so.

A million things come to mind….the practical like clean water and good food (I think I will bring my own almonds). Safety (That’s a concern no matter where you go…but I’ll leave my jewelry at home anyway)……The touchy-feely good stuff (the chance to help others). I don’t speak French, just a few words, and even less Creole, but caring and the touch of a human hand is universal.

Next thing is to make the dream come true.

I set up a Go Fund Me page to ask for help with some of the costs involved. The group estimated our costs to be approximately $1200….flights, ground transport, translators, food, and lodging.

I also thought I could have a yard sale or two (yes, I have that much stuff, lots of vintage and antiques) and use the profits from my Miss Eileen’s Vintage Shop on Etsy, too. Maybe bake and sell cookies….hmmm, you never know.

Sometimes I wish I could time travel. There are certain eras that interest me more than others.

The war years….the 1940’s (a little earlier for folks across “the pond”) is one of my favorites. I like the Hollywood version, seeing Abbot and Costello on the silver screen and hearing the Andrew Sisters singing The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B on the radio……..

and wearing a dress like Simplicity 1777. Skirts were a bit shorter during the war (rationing) and women were showing some leg.

Silk stockings were in short supply (silk was used for parachutes) so I would have to draw a line down the back of my legs it would look like I was wearing seamed stockings.

Of course I would be sporting a Victory Roll hairdo. The hair styles were pulled away from the face. The Veronica Lake Peek-a-boo hairdo didn’t work well with women on the assembly lines.

And my shoes would have to be sturdy shoes…something to wear while I walked everywhere….gas rationing, but a little heel wouldn’t hurt.